- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Cape Town
The city's layered history begins with the Dutch East India Company in 1652. Explore the Bo-Kaap's vibrant Georgian architecture and the Iziko Slave Lodge, revealing deep heritage. This truly defines what is Cape Town famous for. Don't miss the art deco gems along Adderley Street.
Dominated by Table Mountain, a UNESCO site with over 2,200 plant species, Cape Town offers coastal trails and urban green spaces. Enjoy Kalk Bay's tidal pools or a sunset stroll along Sea Point Promenade. These are undoubtedly top attractions in Cape Town for natural beauty.
When visiting Cape Town, savor the unique Cape Malay cuisine. Try a bobotie or a Gatsby sandwich from a local takeaway in the city bowl. Experience a 'braai' (barbecue) in a township like Langa for an authentic taste of local social life and traditional flavors.
- Cape TownSouth Africa
- Cape TownSouth Africa
- Cape TownSouth Africa
- Cape TownSouth Africa
Quick Travel Essentials
- Sep-Novmild temperatures, fewer tourists
- Dec-Febwarm, peak tourist season
- Mar-Maypleasant weather, moderate crowds
- Jun-Augcool, rainy days
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightJacket
- #PowerAdapterTypeM
- #Hat
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-5 for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- South African Rand (ZAR)
- English & Afrikaans & Xhosa
- English widely spoken in urban areas
- #TableMountain
- #CapePoint
- #RobbenIsland
- #V&AWaterfront
- #KirstenboschGardens
- #BouldersBeach
- #DistrictSixMuseum
- Cable car ride at Table Mountain
- Wine tasting in Stellenbosch
- Visit the Cape of Good Hope
- Explore the Bo-Kaap neighborhood
- Relax on Clifton Beach
- Enjoy sunset at Camps Bay
Recommended Hotels in Cape Town by Experience
Things to do in Cape Town
Discover
Explore iconic sights like Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and Robben Island while uncovering Cape Town attractions that showcase stunning landscapes and rich history. Experience what to see in Cape Town through vibrant culture.
Experience
Dive into exciting things to experience in Cape Town, from hiking up Lions Head to attending cultural performances at the Artscape Theatre. Join local culinary tours for delicious flavors and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Table Mountain
Iconic flat-topped mountain with panoramic city views.
Robben Island Museum
Historical site where Mandela was imprisoned.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Scenic gardens showcasing South Africa's flora.
Cape of Good Hope
Famous landmark with dramatic coastal scenery.
Lions Head Hike
Popular hiking trail with spectacular sunset views.
Artscape Theatre
Cultural venue for diverse performances and events.
Bree Street Market
Local market with crafts, food, and live music.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Cape Town, fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT). A Cape Town shuttle bus or taxi are options for the Cape Town airport to city center journey (30-45 min, ~R300-R400).
Getting Around
Public transport in Cape Town relies on MyCiTi buses; get a MyCiTi card. For flexibility, car rental in Cape Town is advised for day trips. Taxis and ride-shares are readily available. Enjoy the Table Mountain cable car for a unique experience.
Local Essentials
Driving in Cape Town requires caution; watch for minibus taxis. For Cape Town travel tips for first-timers, pre-book popular attractions like Robben Island tickets online. Use cards for most payments, but keep small cash for street vendors.
Where to Stay in Cape Town
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Cape Town like bobotie (spiced baked mince with custard), biltong (air-dried cured meat), and koeksisters (syrup-soaked pastries). Also try Cape Malay curry, snoek braai, and vetkoek from markets and seaside eateries.
Enjoy
Taste the local cuisine in Cape Town by visiting top restaurants like Willoughby & Co for sushi, while enjoying vibrant atmospheres, popular bars like Den Anker, or cozy cafés like Kloof Street House. Book ahead!
Willoughby & Co
Fresh sushi and seafood, popular choice, reserve early.
Mama Africa
Vibrant African dining with live music, expect queues.
Karibu
African delights in a welcoming atmosphere, family-friendly.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Cape Town cultural activities reflect its history. Commemorate Heritage Day in September, celebrating diverse cultures. Witness colourful parades during the Tweede Nuwe Jaar festival, a legacy of the Kaapse Klopse minstrel tradition.
Enjoy
Exploring Cape Town, discover modern creativity. Enjoy the International Jazz Festival, a major music event. Art lovers explore galleries and multimedia installations. Experience contemporary theatre and live music venues.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
Africa's premier jazz event, held in March/April with concerts.
Tweede Nuwe Jaar
Traditional Kaapse Klopse minstrel parade, January 2nd.
Two Oceans Marathon
April ultra-marathon with a scenic 56 km route along two stunning coasts.
Design Indaba
Annual design and creativity conference and festival (Feb/March).
Cape Town Festival of Beer
Annual celebration of craft beer and food in late spring/early summer.
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
Open-air picnic concerts featuring local and int'l artists, Nov-April.
Table Mountain alone is worth the trip
The cable car ride up Table Mountain gave us views I still can't stop thinking about. The whole city spread out below you, ocean on both sides - nothing quite prepares you for it. Cape Town is just stunning.
Camps Bay is as good as everyone says
The beach at Camps Bay is genuinely beautiful - white sand, palm trees, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range right behind you. The water is cold, but who cares when the scenery is like that. Restaurants along the strip are solid too.
Great city for food lovers
Tried a proper Cape Malay curry in the Bo-Kaap area and it was one of the best things I ate on the whole trip. The food scene here is seriously good - fresh seafood, local wines, and lots of variety. Never had a bad meal.
So much to do here
You can hike, visit world-class beaches, explore historical sites, and eat brilliantly all in the same day. The V&A Waterfront is busy but fun, and the wine farms just outside the city are an easy day trip. Cape Town keeps surprising you.
Cape Town for wine lovers - absolute yes
The Stellenbosch wine region is just under an hour from the city and completely worth it. Rolling vineyards, incredible wines, and great food at the estates. Combined with the city itself, this trip ticked every box for us.
Beautiful city, friendly locals
People here are so welcoming and helpful. The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood with its brightly coloured houses is unlike anything I've seen before. Cape Town has so much personality and the setting - mountains meets ocean - is just unreal.